Motorcycle News, Editorials, Product Reviews and Bike Reviews

Argentina GP Race Preview

Termas de Río Hondo, Argentina – 27th April 2014

Circuit: Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo
Circuit Length: 4.806 m

Constructed in 2008, the Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo hosts its first Moto GP World Championship rounds at the recently refurbished circuit located in Termas de Río Hondo in the province of Santiago del Estero, Argentina. Renowned for its hot springs the city is a popular spa resort for Argentines.

In 2012 Italian designer Jarno Zaffelli took on the project to modernise the circuit, making it larger and safer and now this impressive Latin American track is made up of 14 turns compromising nine right corners and five lefts.

AirAsia Caterham Moto Racing Team head to Argentina with renewed optimism and high hopes for Johann Zarco, despite the disappointing end to the Grand Prix of the Americas. However the team will be without Josh Herrin after the American rider was injured whilst training at home in the USA before heading to Argentina.

The team will not replace Josh Herrin for the Argentina GP and will run only Johann Zarco.

Johann Zarco:
“First I want to send my teammate my best wishes and hope he has a very speedy recovery. Josh and I are working really well together and I hope he’s back with us as soon as possible.

“Moving on to the race – there are only two or three riders who know the track in Argentina because they came last year to test the circuit. For me every corner will be new but I am quite confident that I can learn the track quickly and be fast.

“I will aim to be at the top as I was in Austin on Friday and Saturday but it’s the Sunday that I really need to concentrate on as this is what matters. I have to finish the race.”

Johan Stigefelt – Team Manager:
“The whole team is obviously thinking of Josh right now and we want him to be back on track and racing again as soon as he’s fit and well. Accidents do happen but it’s obviously very unfortunate that he’s suffered a pretty serious injury at this stage of the season. However, he’s being very well looked after and I’m sure he’ll be back fitter, stronger and more ready to race than ever before.

“Now we will focus 100% on Johann and after an unsuccessful end to the GP in Austin it’s even more important that we get a good result in Argentina. We won’t be replacing Josh for this race but we’ll make another announcement about Jerez soon – for now it’s all about Argentina and we know what we have to do to help Johann put his first points on the board this year.

“We have a strong team with a good set-up and we have already shown that we are capable of running at the top. We just need to stay focussed and continue making progress throughout the weekend, and most importantly on race day. This is where Johann needs to make sure he’s as on top of his game as he was for the first two days in Austin – with a clean lap one and lap two I’m sure he can go the distance and race right up at the front to the flag.”